Chicago Cubs outfielder Matt Shaw is set to speak at Turning Point USA’s “America Fest” in Phoenix next weekend. His participation has sparked significant discussion, especially after he attended the funeral of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA. This decision came during a crucial postseason push for the Cubs, leading to some controversy. Additionally, Shaw was removed from the team’s lineup on September 10, the day Kirk was assassinated.
Longtime Chicago radio host Dan Bernstein has voiced his strong opinions about Shaw’s attendance at the event. In a recent podcast appearance, Bernstein urged Shaw to take full responsibility for his choices. However, he also made it clear that he did not want to hear any vague or overly positive explanations about faith or friendship with Kirk. Instead, Bernstein called on Shaw to be honest and unapologetic about his involvement with the event.
“Matt Shaw is telling you something,” Bernstein said. “I don’t want to hear any mealy-mouthed explanations when he’s asked about it. I don’t want him to say, ‘Oh, well, I’m just his friend, or this is just because of my faith.’ Don’t give me any of that bulls–t. Own it. Own it. That’s all I ask. Embrace it. Be proud of it, Matt Shaw. That’s all I ask, is don’t try to say this isn’t what this is.”
Bernstein went on to express his frustration with the event itself, comparing it to a “Nazi-adjacent pep rally.” He criticized the presence of figures like J.D. Vance, Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, Steve Bannon, and Donald Trump Jr., calling them part of a group that stands on the “wrong side of history.”
“If you want to go to a gathering that tells me clearly that you are proud to be among hatemongers, homophobes, fascists, racists, flag-waving proud racists. If these are your people and this is your thing, and you want to be at this proudly Nazi-adjacent pep rally, go ahead. Go ahead. Have a day, man. Have a week. Whatever blows your hair back,” Bernstein said.
He also addressed the potential implications of Shaw’s involvement with the event, questioning whether the Cubs brand would be associated with the speakers at the gathering.
“And if you have been given permission to associate the Cubs brand, all things Chicago Cubs, with this lineup of horrible, horrible people, all standing proudly on the wrong side of history. Go ahead. Just don’t pretend you’re not. Don’t try to ameliorate it. Don’t try to soften it. Stick that chin out like it is in the picture, you and your Cubby Blue, and own it.”
Shaw and Kirk, a devoted Cubs fan, once lived in the same apartment complex. Shaw defended his decision to attend Kirk’s funeral, citing their shared Christian faith as the primary reason. He emphasized how his faith plays a central role in his life and career.
“My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] faith,” Shaw said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “And that’s something that drives me every day, the reason why I’m able to do what I do every day, and that’s something I’m extremely thankful for. I know without my faith and without the many blessings I’ve been given in my life, that I wouldn’t be here, be able to talk to you guys, able to help this team eventually go and win championships. That’s something I feel really, really blessed about, so whatever backlash comes is OK. I feel strong about my faith and that what was meant to be happened.”
The event will feature several high-profile speakers, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Fox News Channel hosts Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld, Erika Kirk (Charlie Kirk’s sister), Steve Bannon, Donald Trump Jr., and Riley Gaines. Their presence has only added to the debate surrounding Shaw’s decision to participate.
